The ‘Great British Bake Off’ host is reportedly being considered by BBC bosses, who are said to be keen for a female presenter to front the motoring show.

Other female stars rumoured to have been considered for the job include Clare Balding, model Jodie Kidd, Formula 1 presenter Suzi Perry and racing driver Vicki Butler-Henderson, with even Katie Hopkins offering her services.

Sue Perkins

But a flurry of bets has seen Sue become the new favourite to replace Clarkson, according to bookmakers Coral.

They make her evens to take the job, ahead of Dermot O’Leary who is 2-1, with Jodie Kidd third favourite at 5-2.

The firm’s spokeswoman Nicola McGeady said: “This latest gamble suggests that Sue Perkins is being lined up to replace Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear. When betting first opened on Clarkson’s successor, it was one-way traffic for Jodie Kidd and now today’s flutter has convinced us that a female is in the driving seat”.